Tourniquet



W. A. OWEN July 29, 1930.

TOURNIQUET Filed Dec. 1929 I Patented July 29, 1930 UNITED STATES WILLIAM ARTHUR OWEN, or TOLEDO, OHIO j i I .1

TouRNIQuET Application filed December 7, 1929. Serial No. 412,361

This invention relates to tourniquets and an object is to produce a simple and efficient V tourniquet in which liability of injury to the patient due to slipping of the tourniquet while in use, is obviated. V A further object is to provide a tourniquet which is so constructed and arranged that an immediate release thereof may be effected by the manipulation of a single element which may be readily operated by one hand so as x to leave the other hand free for use. 7

Other objects and advantages will hereinafter appear and by way of illustration but not of limitation, the invention is shown in .15 the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a sideelevation of the trigger frame for the flexible tourniquet band; Fig. ure 2 is a vertical sectional elevation of the frame shown in Figure 1 showing the trigger 29 in band-engaging position; Figure 3. is .a rear end view of the frame and associated parts; Figure 4: is a transverse sectional elevation of the device taken through the trigger; Figure 5 is a top plan. view of the device; and Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view through the frame looking down upon the band plate.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a tourniquet having a flexible,

elastic band 5 preferably of pure gum rubber which is adapted to encircle an arm or leg. An end of the band 5 is anchored to a frame 1 which-consists of a pair of plates suitably connected by a number of rivets. As shown a pair of removable bolts 11 are connected at opposite ends to the plates and retain a clamping plate 12 in position, the plate being formed with suitable sockets to receive the removable bolts 11 so that the greater portion of the bolts are disposed beneaththe outer surface of the plate 12and endwise movement of the plate isprevented. As shown, the under side of the plate is pro- Pivoted intermediate its ends on a collar 6 rigidly mounted on a pin 7 is a trigger 2, the upper part of which projects above the frame. The under end of the trigger 2 is formed with a pair of teeth at the forwardly vided with-prongs which bite into an end of. the band 5 securely to hold the same in place.

inclined front or toe position thereof. These teeth will biteinto the free end portions of the flexible band 5 after thesame has been drawn through the frame between theclamp ing plate 12andthe under end of the trigger 2, thetendencyof the band 5 to be withdrawn from the frame 1 is prevented'by the toothed end of the trigger in cooperation with the plate '12; I j I f In order normally to hold the trigger 2 in substantially vertical position, aleaf spring 3 is rigidly secured to the trigger adjacent the outer end by a pin 14 and the opposite end of the spring loosely encircles a pin 8 carried by the frame 1 and disposed rear wardly of thetrigger. i i I Fromthe arrangementshown in Figure 2 friction will be imposed upon the band substantially simultaneous with the release of; the band by the toothed toe portion of the trigger. The heel of the trigger directly in rear of the toothed toe will bear upon the band after or substantially at the time of its release by the teeth and thereby Will exert a slight restraining friction which would preyent the band from abruptly snapping or erking loose from the frame.

It is manifestthat the free end of the band 5 maybe inserted over a guide roller 9 on a pin 10 and between the trigger 2 and plate 12. After the band has been adjusted sufliciently tight, no adjustment or manipulation is necessary to hold it in that position,

as will be apparent.- WVhen it is desired to release the band 5, the trigger is rotated slowly in a counterclockwise direction (Fig.

2) against the tension of the spring 3 and the band 5 will be released without any substantial jerk. Actuation of the trigger 2 may be effected by the thumb or a finger wit out difficulty. As shown a pin 13 in rear of the trigger 2 limits its counterclockwise movement.

When the elastic band 5 becomes worn it may be replaced by a new one. This may be readily eifected by removing the bolts 11 to free the bandfrom the anchoring plate 12.

Numerous changes in details of construction, arrangement and operation may be effected without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A tourniquet comprising a frame, a flexible strip, means toanchor one end of said strip to said frame, a manually operable trigger pivoted to said frame, a toe portion on the inner end of said trigger, a heel portion on the inner end of said trigger "in'rear of said toe portion, the free end ofsaid strip being loosely inserted between the inner end' of said trigger and said anchoring-means, a gripping surface in send toe portion engageable with said. strip for preventmg reverse movement thereof, and a surface on said heel portion engageable with said strip uponreleasing movement of said trigger substantially atthe period of release by said gripping surface. 7

2. tourniquet comprising a, frame, an elastic strip, detachable means for anchoring' one end of said strip to said frame, a manually operable trigger pivoted intermediate its ends to said frame, a toe portion on the inner end of said trigger, the free'end of said strip being inserted into the frame beneath said toe portion, gripping teeth in said toe portion engageable With said strip for preventing reverse movement thereof, and spring means normally urgingsaid' trig ger int'o strip-engaging position.

' WILLIAM ARTHUR OWVEN. 

